Qantas Domestic Business Lounge Access Under 18

[Nickk17]

Hey,

I am flying domestically and have a 3 hour connection in SYD, travelling through to PER in J. In the Qantas app I was made aware that my ticket allows access to the domestic business lounge in T3.

I understand that there is a bar in the lounge, which could be quite problematic for me, considering I don't turn 18 for another 2 months. However, I couldn't care less about alcohol, I just want a quiet place to work and eat (free) food during my connection. (Airport food is so expensive.)

Do they ID customers on entry to the lounge, or upon requesting drinks?

*apologies if this is not in the correct sub-forum*

 

[Mattg]

I have been ID'ed before when entering QF lounges, as well as when ordering drinks. So yes, it does happen. I'm not sure whether they would refuse you entry though due to being under 18.

Perhaps @calmelb might know?

 

[mannej]

I have been ID'ed before when entering QF lounges, as well as when ordering drinks. So yes, it does happen. I'm not sure whether they would refuse you entry though due to being under 18.

Perhaps @calmelb might know?

I believe there was a member on here who was removed from the lounge once it was discovered they were under 18 and traveling solo

 

[Pushka]

I’d hope they would allow you to enter and if in doubt ask for your ID just at the bar. Especially if a morning flight pre alcohol service. Similarly if flying business class - they couldn’t let you not board just because they serve free alcohol.

But their terms say you must be accompanied by an adult.

 

[Nickk17]

I believe there was a member on here who was removed from the lounge once

Yikes.

Similarly if flying business class - they couldn’t let you not board just because they serve free alcohol.

Yeah, thats what I find to be so utterly stupid. Solo under 18's are allowed in an environment where alcohol is served (the plane), but if they wish to request alcohol during the flight, they are ID'd. (Which is perfectly acceptable.) This process should extend to the lounges, but it doesn't. The only argument I can think of against this, is if there is self-service alcohol available like some EK international lounges, but as far as I am aware, QF lounges don't have self-service alcohol, everything is behind the bar, and you need to request it.

I'm just going to try my chances. I find it kind of ironic that FA's on QF flights actually OFFER me alcohol. (Every time I have refused, 1, because its illegal, and 2, I wasn't sure if they would ID me after I said 'yes'. )

 

[mannej]

You could always “guest” an adult in!

 

[Nickk17]

You could always “guest” an adult in!

Thats exactly what I was thinking of doing! But I would feel so awkward going up to a random stranger in the terminal and asking them if they would like to come to the business lounge with me.... haha!

+ I thought to have a guest you need QFF Gold, Platinum... ect... Or is having a J class ticket with Silver enough?

 

[blackcat20]

The only argument I can think of against this, is if there is self-service alcohol available like some EK international lounges, but as far as I am aware, QF lounges don't have self-service alcohol, everything is behind the bar, and you need to request it.

The wine in QF lounges is self serve.

 

[equus]

The wine in QF lounges is self serve.

Not in all of the J Lounges. BNE domestic J has no self serve.

 

[Nickk17]

The wine in QF lounges is self serve.

Ah, I didn't realise. In that case, under 18's really shouldn't be allowed in the lounge.

I guess I'm just going to have to chill out in the terminal buying overpriced airport food. So much for the perks of that J ticket.... haha!

 

[mannej]

Ah, I didn't realise. In that case, under 18's really shouldn't be allowed unaccompanied in the lounge .

I guess I'm just going to have to chill out in the terminal buying overpriced airport food. So much for the perks of that J ticket.... haha!

Corrections noted above - no different to any other licensed premises.

As for your previous comment about guesting - you are able to guest one who doesn't necessarily need to be flying - Lounge Locations | Australia | Brisbane Domestic

 

[blackcat20]

Not in all of the J Lounges. BNE domestic J has no self serve.

I have yet to visit the new BNE lounge, but definitely self serve in MEL, SYD and ADL which are my most frequented lounges.

 

[lobby]

More than likely the liquor licence the lounge would be operating under would be along the lines of a Tavern licence, hence the need of a minor to be accompanied.

 

[kermatu]

A bit OT but I’ve seen people ID checked entering the F lounge in SYD a couple of times (at the desk, not by Nestor). And then the desk specifically escorts them to the restaurant and tells the servers they are of legal drinking age so everything is allowed.

I presume that means someone underage would be allowed in but be flagged as underage. Interesting given there are self-serve areas in these lounges.

 

[Mattg]

A bit OT but I’ve seen people ID checked entering the F lounge in SYD a couple of times (at the desk, not by Nestor). And then the desk specifically escorts them to the restaurant and tells the servers they are of legal drinking age so everything is allowed.

I presume that means someone underage would be allowed in but be flagged as underage. Interesting given there are self-serve areas in these lounges.

I was once ID'ed when entering the QF lounge in Auckland. The lady said that she had let in a 17 y.o. earlier that day, but made sure he sat within eye view of the front desk so she could make sure he didn't take any alcohol.

 

[kermatu]

Must be tough to police. I am currently sitting in a hotel executive lounge where there is a firm rule if you are under 18 you are not allowed in while the drinks are out, even if accompanied by an adult. No exceptions.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Not in all of the J Lounges. BNE domestic J has no self serve.

PER domestic has no free pour either (WA licensing laws IIRC)

 

[JJJJJJJ]

Hey,

I am flying domestically and have a 3 hour connection in SYD, travelling through to PER in J. In the Qantas app I was made aware that my ticket allows access to the domestic business lounge in T3.

I understand that there is a bar in the lounge, which could be quite problematic for me, considering I don't turn 18 for another 2 months. However, I couldn't care less about alcohol, I just want a quiet place to work and eat (free) food during my connection. (Airport food is so expensive.)

Do they ID customers on entry to the lounge, or upon requesting drinks?

*apologies if this is not in the correct sub-forum*

My daughter has been travelling business while under 18 for a few years. She's over 18 now but has never been refused entry nor ID requested. However, she has never ordered an alcoholic drink... so I think they might ask for ID if you order alcohol, but not to enter the lounge itself.

 

[Nickk17]

I ended up forgetting about this thread, haha.

As an update for anyone who comes across it in the future, I ended up just flashing my BP and walked right through, didn't even speak to the QF reception staff.

However, I did see what other members meant about alcohol being scattered throughout the lounge, I didn't help myself or order a drink and I assume if I had, I would have been ID'd and kicked out.

 

[calmelb]

I would be inclined to disagree. They assume that you're of age to enter the lounge and thus able to drink. I think once I've actually entered a lounge I've been ID'd only twice (Both in the MEL F lounge, once was check of ID the other he went and checked with the front desk). Domestic I've never had a problem (granted it seems as though CBR doesn't care)